Jay Duplass ‘ The Baltimorons Movie Opens Today in NYC: A Must-See Holiday Film
If you’re ready to escape the heat and slip into the magic of an indie holiday romance, Jay Duplass’s latest film is just the ticket.
The Baltimorons opens today in select Manhattan and Brooklyn theaters, including IFC Center in Greenwich Village, AMC Lincoln Square near Central Park, and Alamo Drafthouse Brooklyn.
“the year’s most charming romantic comedy”
Already a five-time audience award winner on the festival circuit, this charming romantic comedy stars Michael Strassner and Liz Larsen in a story filled with humor, heart, and unexpected twists. Described by The Daily Beast as “the year’s most charming romantic comedy,” the film offers an intimate, heartfelt alternative to summer’s blockbuster noise. With a national expansion and Los Angeles release coming September 12, New Yorkers get the first chance to experience this holiday gem on the big screen.
Whether you’re a film buff in Tribeca, strolling the Upper East Side, or catching dinner and a movie in Chelsea, The Baltimorons is a perfect night out.
A Holiday Story That Feels Real
Set on a single Christmas Eve in Baltimore, the film follows Cliff (Michael Strassner), a struggling stand-up comedian whose career is on the brink. After chipping a tooth hours before the holiday, Cliff lands in the chair of Didi (Liz Larsen), a quick-witted dentist with a no-nonsense approach to life.
What should have been a routine procedure spirals into an all-night adventure through Baltimore’s icy streets. The night is full of comic mishaps, unexpected revelations, and small moments of connection that slowly change both characters.
“The best gifts aren’t under the tree—they’re the ones you never saw coming.”
This theme resonates especially with New Yorkers, who know how a random encounter on a subway platform or in a crowded bar can shift your whole perspective.
Jay Duplass Brings It Back to Basics
Jay Duplass, beloved for his work with brother Mark on films like The Puffy Chair, is returning to his indie roots with The Baltimorons. After years producing acclaimed TV shows and films, Duplass realized he hadn’t directed a personal feature in over a decade.
“I freaked out when I turned 50 in 2023, realizing I had not made a movie that was mine in over ten years, and that if I didn’t do it soon, the dream of even just making original films was going to die.”
Jay Duplass
Determined to tell a story that felt intimate and honest, Duplass wrote a script that could be shot quickly and simply. That decision gave the film a raw, lived-in quality that echoes the energy of neighborhoods like Greenwich Village and Williamsburg — places where creativity thrives just outside the spotlight.
Breakout Stars to Watch
The chemistry between Michael Strassner and Liz Larsen is at the heart of the film’s appeal. Duplass discovered Strassner through his offbeat, fearless Instagram dance videos. Seeing his natural charisma, Duplass built the role of Cliff specifically for him.
Liz Larsen, meanwhile, caught Duplass’s attention through her stunning performance in the Transparent stage musical. As Didi, she brings layers of humor and vulnerability, giving audiences a character who feels both tough and deeply human.
These performances make the story resonate in a way that feels tailor-made for discerning NYC audiences who appreciate complex, authentic characters.
From Baltimore’s Streets to NYC Screens
Filmed on location during a freezing Baltimore winter, The Baltimorons uses its setting to full effect. The snowy streets and late-night haunts will feel familiar to New Yorkers navigating the icy sidewalks of SoHo or the quiet holiday nights in the Hamptons.
The film’s premiere at SXSW marked a milestone for Duplass, who debuted The Puffy Chair at the same festival twenty years earlier.
“It couldn’t feel more heartwarming that I get to premiere The Baltimorons at SXSW,
exactly twenty years after my first feature film The Puffy Chair played in the same exact theater in 2005.”
Jay Duplass
After a rapturous response and five audience awards, the film is now ready to charm NYC crowds.
Where to See The Baltimorons Tonight
Theaters across Manhattan and Brooklyn are offering early screenings perfect for date nights or casual outings.
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IFC Center, Greenwich Village – For the downtown cinephile crowd
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AMC Lincoln Square, Upper West Side – Just steps from Central Park for a perfect dinner-and-a-movie evening
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Alamo Drafthouse Brooklyn – A cozy, elevated movie-going experience
For those heading to the Hamptons later this summer, the film expands nationwide starting September 12, including a Los Angeles debut.
A Romantic Comedy Worth Leaving Home For
The Baltimorons is more than a holiday movie. It’s a reminder that even in a city as hectic as New York, the most meaningful moments often happen when you least expect them.
Perfect for locals who love indie film, holiday stories, or simply seeing rising stars before they break big, this movie deserves a spot on your must-watch list.
Catch it now before the rest of the country discovers this warm, witty gem.
